How to use your HVAC system during a fire advisory

If you live in a place that is prone to wildfires, you understand that a fire advisory is one of the most disconcerting time for a homeowner. Wildfires are dangerous to your community.

It is important to be prepared when a fire advisory requires you to stay at home. One great way to do this is by making sure that your HVAC system is in good shape. The idea behind keeping your HVAC system at its peak condition is to ensure that you live comfortably for as long as you have to stay indoors. 

 There are a number of things you can do to ensure that the HVAC system is in its best condition during a fire advisory. Our Folsom Heating and Air Conditioning experts share all you need to know about HVAC systems and fire advisory below!

Change the Air Filters 

Your air filters found in your Placerville HVAC system are there to keep the air you breathe clean. It is important to keep the air inside your home clean. To do this, you need to keep the doors and windows shut at all times. This reduces the chances of contamination from the outside air. Remember, the air outside is full of ash, debris, and other particles that could be harmful when breathed in. 

Closing your doors and windows does not necessarily seal your house from particles from outside. This is where your air filters come in. Make sure that you change the air filters to allow them to trap debris and dust particles from the air. 

You might also want to use an air purifier with a HEPA filter. This keeps the air clean and allows you to enjoy clean, breathable air for an extended time. 

Close the Fresh Air Intake 

While you are advised to keep the AC unit active at all times, you need to close the fresh air intake. Our Sacramento HVAC techs explain that these are small vented filters that help draw clean, fresh air from the outside and inside your home. 

During a fire, the air outside is not pure, and it may contain a lot of contaminants. Closing the fresh air intake ensures that smoke and dirt particles don’t get into your house. It also makes it easier for your HVAC system to work. 

Turn off your Bathroom fans and Window Units 

Bathroom fans and window units work like fresh air intake filters. They pull fresh air from outside and pump it into your house. Keeping them closed ensures that the clean air inside your house is not contaminated by outside air.